Diabetic story

Hey I just wanted to know everyone's story. How old where you, what was your symptoms, does it run in your family, how was your blood sugar when you where first diagnosed… Just stuff leading up to now … :)

50 replies

I was diagnosed in 1967 at the age of 4. I don't know what my numbers were. My mom knew I was sick, but she didn't know why.

She tells me that I would eat all the time and never gain weight. Even after having a regular meal, not long after, I would be asking for more food. She said I asked for water all the time too and peed a lot.

What really told her that something was wrong was that at the age of 4, I was "potty trained" and hadn't wet the bed in years and suddenly, I was wetting the bed.

Mom had a friend that was a nurse and she was over one day. After seeing me, she asked Mom some questions and then told her that she thought I had Diabetes and should get to a doctor ASAP. I know they immediately put me in the hospital.

It would be interesting to know what my blood sugar reading was at that time. I know that in my later years, I had been admitted to the hospital with my BSL off the chart and way over 900. Luckily, we can get much better control now and I've not had that happen in quite some time.

Life expectancy was not very good for a diabetic back then and I feared I would not reach the age of 30, let alone 50 or 60. When I hit 30, I think I was relieved that I got to see my son grow up and graduate high school. But then my fear grew to be that I wouldn't make 40. Today, I am 51.

I went for about 30 years with no complications other than my left eye and then it all went downhill from there. It would have been nice to have the technology we have now, back then. I am classified as a brittle diabetic. Thankfully, for me, the pump has been a little miracle and I have much better control now.

Hi I was diagnosed as T2 the end of last year there was a bit of contradiction with the Dr,s I have COPD diagnosed mid 2013 and had a chest infection the first lot of antibiotics didn't touch it so I was put on a very strong one plus 6 steroid tablets a day my husband had to call 999 as I was having trouble breathing when the paramedics arrived they did there routine checks and after taking my bloods that measures 28 UK. (sorry can't convert that high on USA scale) they were more worried about that than my breathing so took me to hospital, my blood gasses were taken and as they were far to low admitted for treatment, the following day different Dr's visited me one would say I had T2 the other said it was the steroids that made my bloods spike, they had me really confused, while I was being showered the D nurse came (I didn't even speak to her) but she said I needed to take Metformin, while my hubby and son were visiting a ward nurse said they were chasing pharmacy for the Metformin my son verified that it was a D tablet then asked me if they had done any tests I said not that I was aware of as I hadn't been told they were taking blood I was told that was to test the level of my infection in my lungs so he told me not to take it until I was told tests had been done as it could be really bad if I wasn't D. staff did not like it when I refused but I did explain why, I was discharged into my own Dr's. care she did say I was just inside the perimeters of being T2 so I took the Metformin I really thought it was killing me I had such a violent reaction to them, I was then put on Zircon (gliclazide) which I am OK with.My dads sister had D but not sure which level she is the only one in both sides of my family.I had already started a weight loss programme with my Dr. I realised this was not just a diet but a new way of life as I have an underactive Thyroid and am disabled to the extent I cannot exercise so I am having to tweek my meals to allow for my DT2.I went to a very informative day course explaining everything about T2 it is called a DESMOND day and run by the NHS it confirmed a lot I knew but raised questions with the things that I didn't, I was shocked to learn just how dangerous it could become and that Metformin was the better option than Zircon as the latter has the adverse effects than steroids in the fact you are more likely to have a Hypo if you are late having a meal, how it affects my mood swings the list is endless.My husband is no help he has taken the attitude if he ignore it it won't happen it has reduced me to telling him if he can't accept it to get the hell out of here, I love him dearly but I am not mentally strong enough to handle all my ailments and fight him as well.I will be 69 this year and have been suffering since a car accident when I was 18, I should have been killed and at times I wish I had been, at 29 I was told that I would be in a wheelchair within 6 months my answer to my consultant was not a polite one and I am still not in a wheelchair I do have a mobility scooter as my walking is very limited but I avoid using it unless really needed.I must say a huge big THANKYOU to DC and all my friends on here.LOVE AND LIGHT TOPAZ XXX(Dee)x

I was diagnosed T1 in 1981 at the age of 13. It was still the Dark Ages of D awareness and I was subjected to constant doom and gloom predictions that I would go blind, lose limbs to gangrene, and my kidneys would fail. Heck my Pediatrician told me to forget about having kids and if I worked hard enough to keep my BS in check, I could live to 30! True story.

I was sick for a very long time before finally getting the diagnosis. Mom took me to a round of Docs and they all kept saying that I had a virus and prescribed antibiotics. Mom and I went to Ohio over Easter to visit Grandma and she took one look at me and told Mom that she didnt know what was wrong with me either but that she could plainly see that I was dying. She instructed Mom to take me to the ER when we got home and to stay there until someone told her what was wrong with me.

The ER Doc came out and told Mom that I had a virus and to keep giving me the antibiotic. Mom slammed her little mighty fist down on the counter and yelled at him that we werent leaving until someone told her what was wrong with me—-Mom channeling my tough Irish Granny!

Doc was speechless for a moment and then asked Mom if Id had my BS checked. Mom had no clue as to what he was talking about. He told her it was a test for D and Mom protested that it wasnt possible because there was no history of it in the family. He pricked my finger and the meter read 600. Bear in mind that those meters only went up to 600 then so my true number is unknown. The D Doc told my Mom it was a miracle that I was still above ground. Recalling his words always gives me a giggle for some reason.

D has been my constant companion for 34 years. Despite that, my eyes and kidneys are healthy and all my limbs are intact. A little effort goes a loooooong way in keeping D and its complications in check and believe me when I tell you that if I can do it then you can too.

I was 41, absolutely NO one in my family has diabetes. I didn't present like 'normal', you know? the thirst, the excessive urination. I lost 20lbs without trying, would fall asleep at the drop of a hat, but strangely (to me, I've never heard anyone else say this symptom) I would eat a full meal, then literally 10 minutes later my stomach would be growling and I would be starving! My level was 535 the day I was diagnosed.

I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old I had all the symptoms I couldn't keep down water even and lost 44 pounds in a week and looked like death it's self, my parents took me to the dr and he said I had the flu and gave me a shot for the vomiting, after the shot kicked in it hit me hard I had to lay down and was to weak to get up I don't remember what happened after that, but I woke up in ICU they said my BG was in the 900s and this dr I had never met came to talk to me and he told me I have type 1 diabetes and have lost 11 years of my life.

Hello, I'm Billie. Been a diabetic since 1989. I weighed 55 pds in the 8 th grade. I was so sick. For a long time, till my grandmother took me to the Dr. My sugar was off the graph. I was like a puppy, all i did was eat, sleep, pee.

Diagnosed 5 years ago. I was teaching (still am) fourth grade and was beyond tired. Peeing all the time, and thirsty. Dashing to the bathroom every 45 minutes and when I got home I would "nap" until my wife would get home. I thought it was due to a poor attitude. Turned out a Deacon at my Church who I confided in about being tired all the time suggested a bc test.

Diagnosed 11 years ago (but was most likely Insulin Resistant for some time) with T2. Was a Office Nurse for an Internal Medicine MD and from the time I got to work at 8am, usually took lunch at 12 noon, I started checking my sugar r/t getting very dizzy and anxious on my drive home for lunch. BS was running in the 50's. Was started on Metformin ER 500mg twice daily to stabilize BS. About a month later, Dx'd w/ T2. Downhill from there. Quite a family hx of diabetes, maternal grandfather, mother, brother, and uncle. In 2009 dx'd with Sensory Polyneuropathy :-(. Tried several oral meds and combinations thereof w/o success. Currently taking Metformin ER 500mg 2 - twice daily, Byetta (injectable) 5mcg twice daily, and Lantus 70u @ bedtime. My BS are like a roller coaster even with the fact I have lost 20lbs due to lifestyle change and healthy/clean eating. Recent A1C @ 8.3. Any questions, feel free to ask.

Have you tried adding apple cider vinegar to your diet? Don't buy the distilled and filtered kind. Get the unfiltered kind that still has all the vitamins and minerals in it. Take one or two teaspoons in the morning and the same before bed. By the way, the unfiltered does not taste as strong. If you can't drink it straight, dilute in a half glass or so of water…

I. Was about 45. Years old ! It wasn't. Until I went to my new Dr. That had diagnosed. Me!! My Mother had Diabetes also ! So I just figured that I would also get it! I. Used to be a very Heavy drinker of regular. Soda I. Would drink reg soda all day & evening!! Even when it was Bedtime I would. Have a Soda by my side!! It. Wasn't. Untill I had Kidney stones. That my Uroligist told me to give up Drinking. Soda Teas. & Coffee. Well I have up my Soda tea. & coffee then I go to my dr he says. He's. alowing me to drink 1 C of Coffee a day! Haven't had soda. It will be 1 year in June! Am off of All Insulins . My Blood sugar is back to normal ! That is my Story. About Type 2 Diabetes I never had any warning signs of diabetes my. Mom did though she was always so Thirsty!! Not me.

I was diagnosed with T2 13 years ago this November and I will be 71 on 11/18/13. My FBS at the time was 148 and my A1c was 7.2. I was over weight by at least 100 pounds and was so very tired that I would fall asleep driving or anything else! My doctor started me on Metformin ER along with other oral meds and send me to a CDE who got me started checking my BS. She also got me started counting carbohydrates and a healthy diet of 1200 calories. I was able to loose weight and after about 5 years not only my A1c was in the 6.0 range but, I had lost about 50 lbs. Today, I am on 1000mg. Metformin at bedtime and 60 mg. Starlix before a meal. My A1c is now running in the neighborhood of 5.2 to 5.6 for the past 5 years. I check my BS once daily unless I can feel a low or if I have a sick day. I ride a stationary bike 6 miles a day in 20 minutes and walk at least 3-5 miles. To date I have dropped 82 pounds and would like to get rid of at least 25 more. I am active as I volunteer at our local Senior Center and lead the group in a Arthritis Exercise Plan and play chair volleyball in a county league. I am also active in a Diabetes Education Coalition in our county along with a Seniors Alive Group also in the county. We also have a Diabetes Support Group in our county which I am active in along with helping about twice a year in a Cooking with Diabetes workshop that we do here in the county. Yes, I do have some neuropathy in my feet and hands but, I keep up my regular doctor appointments for my feet, eyes etc. and hopefully, I can continue to live a active life for quite a few more years! Oh, as far as diabetes running in my family…my Dad and Mom were T2 diabetics, my paternal grandfather was diabetic (probably T2, he passed away before I was born), my maternal grandmother was T2 and I have a host of aunts and cousins that are also T2. So, yes it run in my family but, as I always say…even though I got the worst (diabetes) of my parents, I also inheirted the best because they both instilled many values in me and also a deep respect for life and a belief in God!

I was diagnosed with T2 13 years ago this November and I will be 71 on 11/18/13. My FBS at the time was 148 and my A1c was 7.2. I was over weight by at least 100 pounds and was so very tired that I would fall asleep driving or anything else! My doctor started me on Metformin ER along with other oral meds and send me to a CDE who got me started checking my BS. She also got me started counting carbohydrates and a healthy diet of 1200 calories. I was able to loose weight and after about 5 years not only my A1c was in the 6.0 range but, I had lost about 50 lbs. Today, I am on 1000mg. Metformin at bedtime and 60 mg. Starlix before a meal. My A1c is now running in the neighborhood of 5.2 to 5.6 for the past 5 years. I check my BS once daily unless I can feel a low or if I have a sick day. I ride a stationary bike 6 miles a day in 20 minutes and walk at least 3-5 miles. To date I have dropped 82 pounds and would like to get rid of at least 25 more. I am active as I volunteer at our local Senior Center and lead the group in a Arthritis Exercise Plan and play chair volleyball in a county league. I am also active in a Diabetes Education Coalition in our county along with a Seniors Alive Group also in the county. We also have a Diabetes Support Group in our county which I am active in along with helping about twice a year in a Cooking with Diabetes workshop that we do here in the county. Yes, I do have some neuropathy in my feet and hands but, I keep up my regular doctor appointments for my feet, eyes etc. and hopefully, I can continue to live a active life for quite a few more years! Oh, as far as diabetes running in my family…my Dad and Mom were T2 diabetics, my paternal grandfather was diabetic (probably T2, he passed away before I was born), my maternal grandmother was T2 and I have a host of aunts and cousins that are also T2. So, yes it run in my family but, as I always say…even though I got the worst (diabetes) of my parents, I also inheirted the best because they both instilled many values in me and also a deep respect for life and a belief in God!

I joined DC Sept. 2011. I had been diagnosed 6 months earlier. I'm Type 2 and live on sliding scales. No oral medication, My symptoms were, I was very tired all the time. My head aches were out of this world. The thirst for water was more than I could stand. I gained weight, a lot at once. I ran to the bathroom constantly. Had the cold sweats, and trembled a lot of time. I found out my sugar was just to high. There is only diabetes on my Mother's side of the family. In that there are 3 people and I'm one. I'm 61 years young and have just simplely worked all of this into my daily life. I have nueropathy in my left leg. Had cataracts, but they've been removed. I suppose that helps you.. Why don't you tell us about your experiances from your walk with diabetes.

I was 59 years old when I was diagnosed in June of 2008. Back in March of 2008 I retired from Chrysler after 35 years. Diabetes runs in my family both sides had a history of Diabetes. My one sister and I have diabetes. In June 2008 I had been drinking lots of water and run to the bathroom a lot,a friend of mine is a PA and had a meter with her and she check my blood sugar levels it read high. I taken to the er and they tested me my BG was 742 and had ketones in my urine I was admitted to ICU and was there for 7 days,Doc told my wife I was close to not be here. Got past that,have been on metformin 1000mg twice daily and 15 units of lantus insulin. A1C's have been around 5.4 to 5.9 Alan

August 17, 2011, it seems like a lifetime ago. I had been fatigued, couldn't get enough sleep. I blamed it on working full-time and finishing my last semester of Masters Program. I would fall asleep sitting in my car, thinking just five minutes and I will feel better. Then the thirst, couldn't get enough water and was at a meeting one day and realized I couldn't read the signs on the wall. I started to panic, googled the symptoms, the big D appeared. I ended up at the emergency room with BG reading over 500, initially diagnosed as a T2. Released with no clue what to do and numerous prescriptions. Within 2 weeks changed doctors, ran some tests and lo and behold peptide test indicated I was a T1! What a fight it's been, my life is different now, very different! Every day I fight to be healthy and for the right to be happy!

(Oops, sorry didn't show on my screen)I was 43, had just gone in for my quarterly checkup (four years earlier had a brain-stem stroke). Was called by nurse that I was T2 diabetic. My feeling was as if I'd been told I had cancer. Went into denial for several years. But my stroke diet was totally opposite a diabetic one. Have no history of diabetes in either side of the family. Had attitude problems for years and slowly I became worse. Finally in 2007 I went to see an Endo. because my right kidney really hurt, my left too, but not as bad. The metformen I was taking had been destroying my kidneys & liver for the last 1.5 years. I got a new internist doc who cared. The Endo took me off my oral meds and put me on insulin of Humalog and Lantus. Again slowly my BG rose and was now taking a baseline of 22 units plus sliding scale, plus carb count. Lantus was 100 units. Took this for several years with the Endo yelling at me to loose weight. I decided to let my normal doc take over. I gained 50 lbs, all from insulin. Changed doc's again (just for a change). New doc put me on Victoza and for the last year instead of losing weight, gained 5 lbs. But new doc has diabetic nurse on staff and she decided to try taking me off the baseline & sliding scale, and increase my Victoza to 1.8. In the last two weeks have had a daily instance of low BG, and lost 2 lbs! I'm on a VERY strict diet. But I hope it works.

I was 43, had just gone in for my quarterly checkup (four years earlier had a brain-stem stroke). Was called by nurse that I was T2 diabetic. My feeling was as if I'd been told I had cancer. Went into denial for several years. But my stroke diet was totally opposite a diabetic one. Have no history of diabetes in either side of the family. Had attitude problems for years and slowly I became worse. Finally in 2007 I went to see an Endo. because my right kidney really hurt, my left too, but not as bad. The metformen I was taking had been destroying my kidneys & liver for the last 1.5 years. I got a new internist doc who cared. The Endo took me off my oral meds and put me on insulin of Humalog and Lantus. Again slowly my BG rose and was now taking a baseline of 22 units plus sliding scale, plus carb count. Lantus was 100 units. Took this for several years with the Endo yelling at me to loose weight. I decided to let my normal doc take over. I gained 50 lbs, all from insulin. Changed doc's again (just for a change). New doc put me on Victoza and for the last year instead of losing weight, gained 5 lbs. But new doc has diabetic nurse on staff and she decided to try taking me off the baseline & sliding scale, and increase my Victoza to 1.8. In the last two weeks have had a daily instance of low BG, and lost 2 lbs! I'm on a VERY strict diet. But I hope it works.

While researching nutritional requirements of our cells, I noted that synthetic factory food has been stripped of the micronutrient needed for our cells to work. For example, rich dark chocolate contains plenty of iron, manganese and magnesium needed for cellular function and a small portion is quite satisfying. However, cheap chocolate loaded with sugar is quite addictive. Why is this?It turns out that we recognize a good source of fuel, but shortly thereafter our cells realize that the ions needed to operate are missing. The starving cells send signals for more nutrient, but all they get is more empty calories. We need to recognize that natural foods like oranges are also natural multivitamins. By realizing that we are made of Earth materials, I have found that we can trace the nutritional content of foods directly from soils to plants and to our bodies. And now I know how to recognize the signs of addiction that appear after eating faked factory food!

I was diagnosed with T2 back in March 2012. My mother was also T2. I take Metformin twice a day and I check my sugar levels 3-4 times a day. I'm also on Lisinopril for high blood pressure and Zocor for high cholesterol. I journalize daily what I eat and exercise daily. Please welcome me.

My son was 8 years old and it was summer time. My wife noticed that he was so extremely thirsty and peeing all the time. I, of course, dismissed the idea that something was seriously wrong. I said that it was summer time, we're all thirsty.

But my wife knew that what she was seeing wasn't normal. She called a mom in our neighborhood whose son had been diagnosed with diabetes about a year earlier. My wife told her what was happening and this neighbor brought over a ketone urine test strip. She said that we should have our son pee on it and if it changed color, we should get him in to see a doctor right away.

Well, of course, the strip instantly changed color. We made an appointment to see our pediatrician. The moment that the doctor came in and broke the news to us is frozen in time for me. I knew very little about diabetes at the time.

I'm so grateful for the caring professionals and fellow patients who helped us through those first frightening days. In fact, the neighbor came to visit us in the hospital. That really meant a lot to us.

As for running in the family, there is no history of type 1 diabetes that we know of. We do have some history of auto-immune disorders in the family. But we didn't even know that type 1 diabetes was an auto-immune disorder before our son was diagnosed.

Happy to report that our son just turned 21 and is doing very well.

(Great discussion topic by the way. It's great to get a sense for everyone's different experiences.)

John my Mom said the same thing when she was told that I had D——time stood still. I remember that moment too and when I saw the fear on my Moms face, I knew my life would never be the same.

Moms heart broke that day. I couldnt bear to see her in such pain and I made a silent promise to do whatever it took to never let D hurt her again. I felt that I had failed her in some way and my guilt served to make me a compliant patient and I continue to be 34 years later.

She still occasionally tells me that she would take D and carry it for me if she could. Yeah Mom rocks!

My 16 year old grandson was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic about a month ago. He takes 4 shots a day and checks his blood often. His dad was diagnosed at the age of 3. We are still shocked. I am a Type 2 disabetic controlling mine with medication.

I am type 2 and it does run in my family. All my aunts and uncles on my mom's side had or has it. Out of five of us my brother and I are the only one who has it. I was diagnosed in 2007. I take Victoza and metformin to control my diabetes. My sugar would run up in the 200's when first diagnosed and now it runs like around 125. As for exercise I have started cutting my grass and working in my yard. I go to the doctor every 3 to 6 months.

I was diagnosed as pre-diabetes in Sept of 2011. No symptoms and no family history of D. I broke my wrist and when I was at ER they told me my BG's were 250 my A1C I think was around 11 last reading was 5.4 and my BP was 200 over 100. I was over weight by about 50 lbs., never exercised and ate a lot of junk food. After that wake up I changed my life style and lost the 50 lbs ride a bike daily and cut out the junk food and started eating healthy. Got a little lax lately with the diet and put on about 25 lbs but BG's are reading 100-130. The summer is here so I get my exercise in the garden but still ride my bike and walk. I'm 70 yrs young and it was hard to change my life style but I want to be around to see my grand children grow up. I only have one problem, don't go to the Dr. like I should. I take met for D and medication for BP running low so I guess I will have to make a Dr. appt.

I was diagnosed near the end of 2008. I am in my 40s. I was only approx 35 lbs overwieght, with it all being in my mid section, well after having two csections, it is super hard to get rid of belly fat there!! I exercised and got rid of most of it after my first child was born, and went right back to ideal weight, but years later, with the second, that did not happen. So I am sure that is how this happened. I had found my birth father years before I was diagnosed, and birth mother, just out of curiosity and to learn the medical histories, which on my birth father's side, he told me at the time, back in the 90s nothing ran in his family. We did not talk but a few times, and then did not have hardly any communications at all for many years, so I have no idea when he developed type 2 ,but he did later on and both of his parents had it. I don't know why he did not tell me about his parents having it. If he had, I would have tried even harder to exercise and would have tried harder to eat right. I had cravings everyday, that were hard to control. Anyway, I lost all the weight, got off metformin even before I lost all of it and have been controlling with D&E ever since. So been controlling well for over 4 yrs. Before I even found out about my birth father, from my sister, I purchased a treadmill and was on it for a half hour a day 5-6 days a week, this was months before I was diagnosed, but it was too late by then, I had it. Even though I did not hardly lose any weight before diagnosis, I kept it up because I knew it was helping me in many ways, after I starting going lower carb, weight just started to come off.

Hi! I'm so happy to find this site. I need some emotional support. I was diagnosed T2 in 97. I had a new Dr. He put me on metformin. Then added glipizide. The metformin still makes me sick. Switched to jenumet 6 mo ago. Added Lantus 6 months ago, too. When I first started this roller coaster, my BG readings were under 120. I had a tough problem with BG DROP

I had a rough time with BG DROPPING with out any warning signs. My lowest BG was 22. Only way I could tell it was low … My back got cold. A1c two years ago was 5.8. NOW. I have the opposite problem. Successive A1c readings were 9.7 & 8.5… I'm either eating like I'm supposed to or binging on everything in sight. Last nighty BG was so high the meter wouldn't give me a # reading, just said HI & check keytones. I was petrified. I stayed awake all night. Fell asleep for an hour around 6am. BG was almost 400. Then 315, 265 & 150 before dinner! I feel so much better. Even at 315 I felt better. Sometimes I'll go 3 days without any of my meds. So busy taking care of disabled husband, house, car, all repairs, etc. No time to take care of me. Has to change. Stress level is off the charts. Always in pain. Have chronic tic disorder because of too much neurontin for too many years. Similar to Tourette's. bounce, twitch, twist, hit myself, jerk, even throat makes noises. I have no control over any of this. Lack of sleep, stress, pain & heat make it worse! I'm 4 for 4. Maternal grandmother, younger brother, baby sister & one nephew are/were diabetic. I'm 58. Overweight. Had thyroid removed. Been 12 years and still trying to get synthroid levels right. I'm a mess. I need friends who understand this disease. And who aren't afraid to tell me off when I need it! Sorry this is so long. Welcome hugs to everyone.

I was 27 years old and working in a stressful supervisory job. I had lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks, dropping to 107 pounds, was always thirsty and had to get up every 10 minutes to urinate. My Dad had developed diabetes at age 61 in 1953 and I had grown up watching him test his urine every morning and give himself insulin. He died in 1974. He always had literature around the house with the warning signs of diabetes, so I wasn't surprised with my doctor's diagnosis. I don't recall what my BG numbers were at that time. I was started on insulin (NPH I think) immediately…this was back in 1976…so I have lived longer with diabetes than without it. I haven't always made the best decisions but, thankfully, have very minor complications (some minor neuropathy and retinopathy) I really did start to cut back on my carbs after reading Dr Richard Bernstein's book "Diabetes Solution" in the early 2000's. For the most part, I've been able to maintain my A1c's in the 6's as a result of cutting back on the carbs. I started using an insulin pump in 2011 and love it. I've never felt that my diabetes limited me in either my work life or leisure pursuits…as long as I took the steps to deal reasonably with my diabetes. I was not blessed with children of my own but retired early and am enjoying an active and stimulating retirement. Life is good!

Symptoms: excessive thirst. Constant urination. Went to the doctor thought I had a prostate problem diagnoses, my blood sugar was tested n the clinic 345.

I went into a shutdown fearing amputation, blindness, and dialysis. I went on a change in my lifestyle. I lost my Mom dad and brother to hbp and diabetes. With healthy eatting and exercise the count is 70-140 this disease is like cancer, u gotta fight it daily.

I was dx'd at the age of 33. After being sick for most of the two years prior, I finally ran into a competent endo who got me on insulin. Suffered from gastroparesis initially, lost a ton of weight, and just was sick as could be. Hasn't even been a full year since being diagnosed but it feels like forever.

I was 42, and my vision would change throughout the day (it still does). Since then I have been treated by some of the most inept morons on the planet. These are known as Endocrinologists. They know less about the disease than you do. One guy almost killed me with a drug he didn't bother to research before he insisted I take it. Trust me. When it come to diabetes, you're on your own, and be prepared to be totally frustrated by ignorant doctors.

Mine was on my 40th birthday. I am extremely blessed to be an RN that works for a diabetic specialist. We caught my Diabetes at an A1c of 6.4, I've been on Byetta, Victoza, and now am on Bydureon. In 2 months I dropped to 5.7 and have been there ever since. My grandfather, mother, and sister all were type 2 as well. In the past 5 months I have lost my mother to pancreatic cancer and my sister to colon cancer. That makes me a target for cancer too. I love to control the diabetes, instead of letting it control me. That is a daily adventure.

June 2007 about a week before my 44th birthday. Had been feeling tired a lot and was drinking all the time cause I was thirsty a lot. My parents were visiting from out of state and my mother being a diabetic herself ask if I had ever checked my sugar. I hadn't so she got out her meter and tested me and she was shocked my BG was 658 and my father told me he was surprised I was still standing and walking and I should get to dr right away. went to dr that day and was diagnosed. Guess I wasn't too surprised as diabetes runs in my mothers side of the family.

I was diagnosed in April this year.. I had no symptoms so I was a bit surprised but shouldn't have been because diabetes runs rampant on both sides of my family.. I have had two aunts die from it on my dads side and my grandmother died from it on my moms side.. I am 43 so I hear it is normal after one goes through menopause or has a hysterectomy for a woman to get type 2 diabetes :(..I wish you the best of look and listen to what the doctors say for sure

I was diagnosed in 2011 at the age of 42. I lost 30 lbs in 30 days and got down to 126 lbs at 5'7 inches tall. I ended up in the hospital w/ a blood sugar of 1016 and a A1c of 16. The doctor in the hospital told me I'd be on insulin for the rest of my life. Upon entering the hospital my symptoms in addition to severe weight loss were: excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision (I was almost blind) severe dehydration and thrush (yeast in my mouth). When I left the hospital there was a softball size knot in my thigh that hurt something awful - it was a ball of infection. 6 weeks after diagnosis w/ a STRICT diet and exercise I was able to bring my A1c down to 5.6 and was able to get off insulin. I am now on Metformin and working to get off of those as well. It's been a journey. ~t2d

I was 10 when I was diagnosed. I lost 35 pounds and my body was literally eating itself alive. It was very scary as I was on vacation in Phoenix Arizona. I have been diabetic for 15 years now. It doesn't get any easier. It actually gets harder and harder every day. With all my complications, I have had interruption after interruption first with college and now with work. I have never had a support group or even parents who tried to understand. Moving from Tennessee to North Carolina has been a horrible move as well. I'm hoping this site will help. I am actually looking forward to being a member and finally being able to speak with other diabetics.

I was diagnosed in 2005 after I was bit by a spider. The venom attacked my kidneys, pancreas and liver. I was originally diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic because the usual medications and insulin did not work for me until I started using Symlin which is strictly for Type 1 diabetics. I was 51 at the time and it has been a wild ride. Fortunately, it is now under control by diet and exercise and I barely need any medication or insulin. I am now classified as a Type 2 diabetic but I have lost 30 pounds and may be able to stop all meds/insulin in a few months. :o)

24 years ago (1989) at age 45, 5'9", 216 lbs. I saw a Dr. complaining of leg pain, intermittant blurry vision, some problems in the bedroom, frequent urination, excess thirst. Hospital ran a bunch of tests and blood sugar came back 600. Dr. was ready to go the insulin route until I asked about oral med and diet. We "gambled" on that and I remain on oral med and diet today; although I have had a heart attack in 1997, stent implant in 2003, the neuropathy I was originally complained about persists today and gets worse by the year and I use a cane most of the time these days. Weight is now 145 (too low in my opinion and I don't like the strength loss that came with the weight loss). I am currently on glimeperide, lisinopril, carvedilol, and tramadol. Last BG was 100; last A1C 6.0. I am nearing 70 now ans have a great deal of difficulty realizing I am getting too old to do a lot of the things I once enjoyed, walking much, motorcycling, mowing my own yard, climbing bleachers to watch grand kids ball games …the list goes on and on…BUT I am still here and as long as I am I will continue to try and if I can't; I'll try another way.

I am in the same boat at 47 years old. Neuropathy Support formula online and r-alpha lipoic acid are helping me. Zostrix works really well as a topical pain reliever. It is capsaicin which helps to eliminate the receptors around the nerves that amplify the pain. Good luck and keep moving. Exercise and foot massage are good too.

It was last summer, in August. I was 41. I ended up in the hospital for a week with a bad infection. First time anything like that had ever happened to me. My blood sugar was running around 377 and my A1C was 14. My grandfather had diabetes and I just found out that a few people on my fathers side of the family had it too. Scared the heck out of me. Totally changed my life for the better. Between a low carb /low fat meal plan, exercise, and my medicine I have lost 50lbs since September. My A1C was 7.1 in October, 5.6 in January, and 5.4 in April. I'm never going to stop fighting it :)

That is great. I too lost weight. when I first found out in 2007 my BG was 658 and I weighed about 255-260. I lost about 55 lbs in first year and have stayed around 200 lbs now and my BGs run around 95-105 in morning and around 130-140 at night depending on what I eat.

I was 17 when I was diagnosed. I had like all the symptoms. The most noticeable were extreme weight loss (I looked like a skeleton) and severe thirst. I have 2 uncles and 2 of my grand-parents have type 2. My one cousin also has type 1. The one night my mom felt something was seriously wrong and just decided to by a glucometer. My reading was 33.0 (594 in US numbers) My mom was so scared she called my aunt who is a nurse who told me to fast (don't eat anything) for 5 hours. So at about 10pm we took my sugar again and it was still through the roof. So we went up to the ER where I stayed there for about 8 hours getting multiple tests done. The one test was inconclusive and they diagnosed me with type 2 (even though I was 5 feet 6 inches tall weighing 109lbs) I started on Metformin and not too long after that we got a call from our family doctor telling me I had to get to another Hospital to go through my insulin training because I'm actually type 1. About half an hour (at least that's what it seemed) After that call we were out the door. I was admitted right away. I got blood tests done, BG readings, urine test and then got my first dose of insulin. Luckily I'm a fast learner and was able to go home after 3 days. I worked hard to get my numbers down and after having an A1C of bellow 10, 3 times I was able to get a pump. It took 9 months but it's worth it! I've come so far in my journey. After having an A1C so high it was litterally off the charts to now having a very good A1C of about 7.2! :)